LANCASTER – A father has been detained after deputies responding to a child abuse call in Lancaster late Saturday night discovered two of his children dead and two others with injuries that required hospitalization.
Deputies were dispatched around 11:50 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, to a home in the 1800 block of East Avenue J-2 and found four children under the age of 10 suffering from lacerations to their bodies, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Paramedics rushed the children to a hospital where two were pronounced dead and the other two were listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was identified as Prospero Serna of San Bernardino County, though no specific place of residence was given. Sheriff’s officials said he was the biological father of all the victims, and described him as a “person of interest who is currently detained.”
“Homicide investigators responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. “The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.”
Anyone with information regarding the family is encouraged to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or use the website lacrimestoppers.org.
UPDATED: Prospero Serna has been formally arrested on suspicion of murder and child abuse, sheriff’s officials said on Monday, Oct. 31. “Homicide detectives determined there was sufficient evidence to arrest Prospero Serna for the crimes of murder and child abuse,” the sheriff’s statement said. “However, Prospero Serna is refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies … delaying his booking process.”
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Danelda says
Yes and dcfs refused to comment on whether there family was involved with dcfs so we’re pretty much can figure what that means… Most likely two more children protected to death by the system. Hope the other two children find themselves facing a far happier future with this man not one their lives. If he is found guilty that is what with innocent until(ha) (haha) until proven(,ha ha ha) proven guilty. Sorry couldn’t even type that without laughing. But that’s what they try n say so I’ll believe it. Ok maybe not.
We’ll sending healing vibes and wishes for a speedy recovery and a happy future and not to many nightmares for the surviving children. Sorry i don’t pray. Well i do but probably not good for me to pray for them but best wishes and their in my heart and thoughts. And yes it’s probably what ya all think but for the record my religion does not believe in having children or animals. Too bag these children’s gather didn’t d feel that way.
And i hope the souls of the two lost angels i hope they treat in peace for better yet find a heavenly school where it’s always recess or something cool like that.
Pitty mom says
Use to be such a nice place to live. Our mayor keeps letting the ghetto in. These landlords keep letting the ghetto in. Our government has stopped us from disciplining our own children. Schools have lost control. Kids cannot even go there to learn anymore without being bullied or a fight starting. Cannot go to the stores, movie theatre or take a walk with your pet without fear of being attacked or run over by a speeding car in a bike lane running a red light.
Not enough sheriff’s. If we get sheriff’s, they turn out to be corrupt we have rude, trashy neighbors now who not only neglect their their house, but kids and pets as well. We have illegal fireworks. Do you not care we live in the desert where a fire can start very easily? Illegal is illegal.
There are alot of old timers here like myself that would just like the ones that want to keep ruining it for us and bringing crime and disgust to us to leave. You are not welcome here anymore.
PHS Class of 80' says
This is what the Antelope Valley is infamous for.
It’s extremely dangerous to be a child in the AV.
Templer says
For sure, dogs and livestock to. Business owners and elderly are fair game as well.
Tim Scott says
Good thing there’s never been child abuse anywhere else.
Oh.
Wait.